Thomas (Tom) L. Watson, 90, of Philipsburg died Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Windy Hill Village where he had resided for the past four years.
He was born Feb. 21, 1927 to Clem Watson Sr. and Susan (Lamb) Watson, both of whom preceded him in death. He was a 1944 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School.
Following graduation, he turned down full scholarships to Lock Haven University in football and wrestling to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was employed with a variety of occupations throughout his working career. He began working for his father in the family coal mine.
He left there to operate and manage the Esso Station, formerly located in the Cold Stream area of Philipsburg, for the next 25 years.
He sold this business and became employed with Penelec as a line crew driver. He then worked in the operations department at its Shawville Power Plant.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg and previously a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, also of Philipsburg which was formerly the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Besides serving his country with the U.S. Marine Corps, he was a member of the B.P.O. Elks & Country Club, Lodge No. 1173 and the American Legion, Post No. 437. He was also a lifetime member of Wolf Rock Camp.
He was married Dec. 28, 1947 at the First Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg to the former Bette Louise Cole, who preceded him in death April 19, 2005.
He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Owens, Esther Johnson and Betty Cieslar and a brother, Clem Watson Jr.
He is survived by two daughters, Alicelyn (Watson) Sleber and her husband, Rick of Harrisburg and Shelly (Watson) Clemens and her husband, Robert of Columbia, Md.; one son, Jeffrey Cole Watson of Philipsburg; three granddaughters, Angielyn (Watson) Inglis of Dallas, Texas, Christielyn Watson of State College and Katielyn Watson of Bellefonte; a great-granddaughter, Alyssa Peterson and a great-grandson, Micah Watson, both of State College; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5 at the First Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg, 509 E. Presqueisle St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. Dr. Katie Hopper officiating.
Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the church.
If persons wish to do so, memorial contributions or flowers may be sent to the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Philipsburg, Children’s Programming Fund, 509 E. Presqueisle St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
The funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
